Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus): Report on the progress of recovery strategy implementation for the period 2016 to 2021

Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996) agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for the protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under section 46 of the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), the competent minister is responsible for reporting on the implementation of the recovery strategy for a species at risk, and on the progress towards meeting its objectives within 5 years of the date when the final recovery strategy was placed on the Species at Risk Public Registry, and in every subsequent 5 year period until its objectives have been achieved or the species’ recovery is no longer feasible. Under section 55 of SARA (S.C. 2002, c.29), the competent minister must monitor the implementation of an action plan and the progress towards meeting its objectives and assess and report on its implementation and its ecological and socio-economic impacts 5 years after the plan comes into effect.

Reporting on the progress of recovery strategy and action plan implementation requires reporting on the collective efforts of the competent minister, provincial and territorial governments, and all other parties involved in conducting activities that contribute to the species’ recovery. Recovery strategies identify strategies and approaches that will provide the best chance of recovering the species at risk. Action plans provide the detailed recovery planning that supports the strategic direction set out in the recovery strategy for the species. Some of the identified strategies and approaches are sequential to the progress or completion of others and not all may be undertaken or show significant progress during the timeframe of a report on the progress of recovery strategy and action plan implementation (progress report).

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is the competent minister under SARA for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and has prepared this progress report.

As stated in the preamble to SARA, success in the protection and recovery of species at risk depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in the recovery strategy and action plan and will not be achieved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada or any other jurisdiction alone. The cost of recovering and conserving species at risk is shared amongst different constituencies. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing the recovery strategy and action plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin for the benefit of the species and Canadian society as a whole.

Acknowledgments

This progress report was prepared by Marlena McCabe (Fisheries and Oceans Canada; DFO) with input from Manon Morrissette (DFO), Erin Gertzen (DFO), and Ahdia Hassan (DFO). To the extent possible, this progress report has been prepared with inputs from: Dr. Daniel Selbie (DFO), Lucas Pon (DFO), Greg Wilson (British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy), Christina Toth (Fraser Basin Council; Cultus Lake Stewardship Society) and Patricia Woodruff. DFO would also like to express its appreciations to all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin.

Executive summary

The Cultus Pygmy Sculpin^{Footnote 1}  (Cottus aleuticus) was listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003. The “Recovery Strategy for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus sp.) in Canada” (NRTCPS 2007) was finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2007. An “Action Plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada” (DFO 2017) was subsequently published in 2017. The “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy Implementation for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada for the Period 2007 – 2015” (DFO 2016) was published in 2016 and documented the progress toward recovery implementation during the indicated time period.

The threats identified in the recovery strategy for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin include: exotic species, altered predation rates, water use, water quality, water-oriented recreation, land use, and climate change.

The recovery goal for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin is to ensure the long-term viability of the population in the wild. This taxon is likely to remain at an elevated risk due to the population’s extremely limited distribution.

The recovery objectives for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin are as follows:

1. foster awareness of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and its conservation status. Encourage active local involvement in stewardship and habitat protection
2. maintain, and where possible enhance, the ecological integrity of habitat for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin
3. increase scientific understanding of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin through additional investigation of its natural history, critical habitat and threats to its persistence

The “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy and Action Plan Implementation for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus) in Canada for the Period 2016 to 2021” reports on the progress made by DFO and its partners towards implementing the recovery strategy and action plan. During this time period, progress has been made toward:

• legal protection of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin’s critical habitat in January 2019 through a SARA critical habitat order
• increasing understanding of eutrophication within Cultus Lake, including its drivers, effects on Cultus Pygmy Sculpin, and abatement methods
• planning future upgrades of liquid waste facilities to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen inputs with the goal of mitigating eutrophication
• increasing understanding of the threat posed by the aquatic invasive species Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and implementing control efforts
• continuing to support stewardship of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and their habitat through public education

DFO remains committed to the survival and recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. The work completed to date has built a strong foundation for continued research and management of this species over the next reporting period. Progress to date would not have been achieved without contributions from DFO Science Branch, Cultus Lake Stewardship Society, British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and graduate researchers from various academic institutions. DFO looks forward to continued collaboration and welcomes the participation of additional partners. DFO would also like to express its appreciation to all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin.

1 Introduction

The “Recovery Strategy for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin^{Footnote 2}  (Cottus sp.) in Canada” (herein referred to as the recovery strategy; NRTCPS 2007) was published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2007. The “Action Plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada” (herein referred to as the action plan; DFO 2017) was finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2017.

This progress report outlines the progress made towards meeting the objectives listed in the recovery strategy and the action plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin from 2016 to 2021 and should be considered as 1 in a series of documents that are linked and should be taken into consideration together, including: the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports (Coffie 1997; COSEWIC 2000; COSEWIC 2010; COSEWIC 2019), the science advisory report from the recovery potential assessment (DFO 2008), the recovery strategy (NRTCPS 2007), the action plan (DFO 2017), and the “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy Implementation for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada for the Period 2007 to 2015” (herein referred to as the 2007 to 2015 progress report; DFO 2016).

Section 2 of this progress report provides references to, or reproduces key information on, the threats to the species, recovery goal and objectives, and performance measures to assess the progress of recovery. For more details, readers should refer to the recovery strategy and the action plan. Section 3 reports on the progress of strategies identified in the recovery strategy and measures identified in the action plan to support recovery. Section 4 summarizes the progress towards achieving these objectives.

2 Background

2.1 COSEWIC assessment summary and threats to the species and its critical habitat

The listing of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin as threatened under SARA in 2003 led to the development and publication of the “Recovery Strategy for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus sp.) in Canada in 2007” (NRTCPS 2007). The recovery strategy is consistent with the information provided in the COSEWIC status report (COSEWIC 2000). In 2010, COSEWIC re-examined and confirmed the status of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin as threatened (COSEWIC 2010). In 2019, COSEWIC re-assessed and changed the status of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin from threatened to endangered (COSEWIC 2019).

COSEWIC assessment summary – November 2019

Common name Coastrange Sculpin - Cultus Lake population

Scientific name Cottus aleuticus

Status Endangered

Reason for designation This small-bodied freshwater fish is found in a single lake that drains into the lower Fraser River, in southwestern British Columbia. This area is undergoing increasing urbanization and recreational use. Every night, this unique population migrates from the lake bottom toward the lake surface to feed. A recent introduction of an exotic predator, Smallmouth Bass, is a serious concern to the long-term persistence of the sculpin. The species is also threatened by the cumulative impacts of aquatic invasive species, water pollution (eutrophication) and climate change. These threats reduce sculpin habitat by reducing oxygen in deep waters, and reducing surface water habitat due to increased predation from Smallmouth Bass.

Occurrence British Columbia

Status history Designated special concern in April 1997. Status re-examined and designated threatened in November 2000 and in April 2010. Status re-examined and designated endangered in November 2019.

Section 3 of the recovery strategy provides information on the threats to species’ survival and recovery. These threats include: exotic species, altered predation rates, water use, water quality, water-oriented recreation, land use, and climate change.

Critical habitat for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin was identified, to the extent possible, in section 1.3 of the “Action Plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada” (DFO 2017). The action plan also provides examples of activities that are known or likely to result in degradation and/or destruction to critical habitat (that is, threats to critical habitat). The list of activities provided in table 2 of the action plan is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and their inclusion has been guided by the relevant threats to habitat described in the action plan. For more details on the activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat, consult the action plan.

2.2 Recovery

This section summarizes the information found in the recovery strategy on the recovery goal and objectives^{Footnote 3}  that are necessary for the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin, and on performance measures that provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the recovery goal and objectives.

Section 7 and 8 of the recovery strategy identified the following recovery goal and objectives necessary for the recovery of the species:

Recovery goal

The recovery goal for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin is to ensure the long-term viability of the population in the wild. This taxon is likely to remain at an elevated risk due to the population’s extremely limited distribution.

Recovery objectives

1. Foster awareness of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and its conservation status Encourage active local involvement in stewardship and habitat protection
2. Maintain, and where possible enhance, the ecological integrity of habitat for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin
3. Increase scientific understanding of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin through additional investigation of its natural history, critical habitat and threats to its persistence

Performance measures

Section 9 of the recovery strategy includes the following performance measures to define and measure progress toward achieving the recovery goal and objectives:

• has a Recovery Implementation Group (RIG) or working group been established? Is the RIG adequately supported with funding and technical expertise? Has an Action Plan been developed? Is the RIG achieving the goals outlined in the Recovery Strategy?
• has taxonomic status of Cultus pygmy sculpin been clarified?
• Are there key information gaps that inhibit conservation of Cultus pygmy sculpin?
• have threats been clarified and assessed? Are threats being mitigated?
• has critical habitat been defined for Cultus pygmy sculpin?
• have monitoring programs been implemented? How long has a monitoring program been in place? Is it effective? Is it a benign activity for the population? Is funding secure for the long term?
• have key areas in the watershed (i.e., those that are disproportionately important for maintaining habitat) been identified? Has a watershed plan that recognizes these habitats as important been developed? Have key habitats been effectively protected?
• have water quality and water use objectives been established and communicated to relevant regulators and stakeholders?
• have educational materials been produced? Has public perception and awareness been affected? How many classes have received educational presentations?
• have land management criteria been developed? Is land development meeting the criteria? Have Best Management Practices (BMPs) been developed and communicated? Is there compliance with BMPs?
• have scientific investigation protocols been set and communicated? Have they been implemented?

3 Progress towards recovery

Section 9 of the recovery strategy divides the recovery effort into 11 strategies (see table 1 for list of strategies).

The action plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin divides the recovery effort into 10 recovery measures that are linked but differ from the strategies outlined in the recovery strategy, grouped under 4 broad approaches (DFO 2017):

A: Protection and management

• A-1: establish and support a Recovery Implementation Group or alternative working group for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin
• A-2: develop and implement an aquatic invasive species (AIS) Total Prevention Plan with direct links to stewardship groups and local stakeholders
• A-3: develop and implement an integrated land and water use plan that strives to conserve Cultus Lake, as well as satisfy user needs

B: Monitoring and assessment

• B-1: prioritize and advance development and implementation of a long-term monitoring plan to assess population response to management activities and threats

C: Research

• C-1: prioritize and advance research to address information gaps on biology
• C-2: advance research to address information gaps on nutrient loading
• C-3: develop and implement protocols for scientific investigations
• C-4: advance research to address information gaps on mortality
• C-5: advance research to address information gaps on population limiting factors

D: Outreach and communication

• D-1: inform and educate stakeholders and the general public about the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and the overall biodiversity value of Cultus Lake

3.1 Activities supporting recovery

Table 1 provides information on the implementation of the strategies identified in the recovery strategy and the recovery measures identified in the action plan. A number of recovery activities were implemented prior to 2016 and have been documented in the “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy Implementation for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada for the Period 2007– 2015” (DFO 2016).

^a The coding for recovery measures is defined in section 3 of this progress report.

^b CLASS (formerly called the Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy) is a network that includes local residents, volunteer scientists, representatives from non-government organizations, industry, First Nations, regional and municipal government, British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and DFO.

^c Smallmouth Bass were first discovered in Cultus Lake in May 2018.

^d Hypolimnion is the cold water layer at the bottom of a stratified lake.

^e An annual festival held at Cultus Lake.

^f Cultus Lake Park Plan Bylaw No. 1080 also referred to as “Plan Cultus.”

3.2 Activities supporting the identification of critical habitat

Critical habitat for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin was identified, to the extent possible, in section 1.3 of the “Action Plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus, Cultus Population) in Canada” (DFO 2017). Further research may help refine the understanding of the functions, features and attributes of the currently identified critical habitat.

Table 2 provides information on the implementation of the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat, found in the recovery strategy (NRTCPS 2007). Each study has been assigned 1 of 4 statuses:

1. completed: the study has been carried out and concluded
2. in progress:the planned study is underway and has not concluded
3. not started: the study has been planned but has yet to start
4. cancelled: the planned study will not be started or completed

3.3 Summary of progress towards recovery

3.3.1 Status of performance measures

Table 3 provides a summary of the progress made toward meeting the performance measures outlined in table 1 of the recovery strategy. Each measure has been assigned 1 of 4 statuses:

1. not met: the performance measure has not been met, and little to no progress has been made
2. partially met, underway: moderate to significant progress has been made toward meeting 1 or more elements of the performance measure, and further work is ongoing or planned
3. met: the performance measure has been met and no further action is required
4. met, ongoing: the performance measure has been met, but efforts will continue as needed to achieve the objectives outlined in the recovery strategy and/or action plan

^a DFO, CLASS, British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and academic partners (including those from Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, and McGill University).

3.3.2 Critical habitat identification and protection

Critical habitat for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin was identified to the extent possible in the 2017 action plan and identifies the functions, features, and attributes necessary to support the species’ life-cycle processes and to achieve the species’ recovery goal and objectives. Protection of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin critical habitat from destruction was accomplished in 2019 through a SARA critical habitat order made under subsections 58(4) and (5), which invoked the prohibition in subsection 58(1) against the destruction of the identified critical habitat (SOR/2019-3).

Section 3.2 of this progress report provides information on the implementation of the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat found in the recovery strategy. Further research may refine the understanding of the functions, features and attributes of the identified critical habitat necessary to support the species’ recovery goal and objectives.

3.3.3 Socio-economic impact

Under subsection 55 of the SARA, the responsible federal minister is required to undertake “an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation”. This section updates the socio-economic impacts associated with the implementation of the action plan between 2017 and 2021.

As per subsection 49(1) (e) of SARA, the action plan included a socio-economic evaluation of the costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation (section 2 of the action plan). Many of the economic costs associated with implementation of recovery actions have been, and will continue to be borne by government agencies (e.g. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Lakes Research Program). These were evaluated as a reallocation of existing government funds and are not considered additional costs to society. There have also been opportunity costs associated with these government funded actions; however, these are not easily quantified (DFO 2017).

There are socio-economic benefits that have resulted from the implementation of the action plan, including positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity (Federal, Provincial, Territorial Governments of Canada 2014). The implementation of the action plan also provides broader ecosystem benefits, as it relates to maintaining water quality and managing AIS (DFO 2017). Funding through the DFO Lakes Research Program has helped to research broader environmental issues (eutrophication and water quality) at Cultus Lake and its impact on the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. Other recovery implementation activities which target broad ecosystem benefits (for example, water quality monitoring), habitat restoration, and AIS management are also likely to help in the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin.

The conservation of species at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to conserving biological diversity, and is important to current and future economic and natural wealth (Parks Canada 2016).

3.3.4 Recovery feasibility

Based on the current best available information, recovery of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin is determined to be feasible (NRTCPS 2007; DFO 2017). No new information has been gathered that would suggest that the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin population no longer meets the feasibility criteria laid out in the recovery strategy.

4 Concluding statement

Within the 2016 to 2021 reporting period, through the implementation of the activities identified in the recovery strategy and action plan, progress has been made toward the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. Notable achievements include:

• legally protecting the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin’s critical habitat in January 2019 through a SARA critical habitat order
• increasing understanding of eutrophication within Cultus Lake, including its drivers, effects on Cultus Pygmy Sculpin, and abatement methods
• planning future upgrades of liquid waste facilities to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen inputs with the goal of mitigating eutrophication
• increasing understanding of the threat posed by the AIS Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and implementing control efforts

While there has been measurable progress towards addressing the activities identified in the recovery strategy and action plan, further work is required to support the survival and recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. Priority next steps that could be used to maintain the achievements noted above may include:

• re-establishment of a committee to address and mitigate nutrient management issues in Cultus Lake
• development and implementation of an AIS prevention plan with participation from stewardship groups and local stakeholders
• development and implementation of a long-term monitoring plan, land use plans and water use plans
• increased effort to reduce habitat-based threats, including habitat degradation, watershed/airshed pollution, eutrophication, and climate change
• further research addressing information gaps on biology, mortality, and limiting factors for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin

DFO remains committed to the survival and recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. The work started and completed to date has built a strong foundation for continued recovery support for this species over the next reporting period. Progress to date would not have been achieved without contributions from DFO Science Branch, Cultus Lake Stewardship Society, British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and graduate researchers from various academic institutions. DFO looks forward to continued collaboration and welcomes the participation of additional partners. DFO would also like to express its appreciation to all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the recovery of the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin.

5 References

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